Cedar-Hill-Physical-Therapy-Greensboro-NC

7 Tips To Get More Daily Physical Activity

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7 Tips To Get More Daily Physical Activity

7 Tips To Get More Daily Physical Activity
Dec 10, 2021
Health and Wellness

Get Off The Couch and Start Moving With Ease Again!

Did you know that 80 percent of the U.S. population falls short of the Physical Activity Guidelines recommended by the Department of Health and Human Services? Millions of Americans are risking serious health consequences simply because they do too much sitting and not enough moving around.

You may not find that information shocking, especially if you’re one of those 80 percent! What really might surprise you, however, is just how easily you can give your daily activity level a dramatic boost.

Our practice has put together a list of seven simple tips from our physical therapists for adding some much-needed additional exercise to your life. Contact our clinic today if you’re in need of a physical tune up so that you can participate in these activities with ease!

1. Ride your bike.

Cycling works different muscles than walking, so it’s a great way to supplement walking when you need to go a little further and quicker. It also gives you a good cardiovascular workout! So go get that old bike out of your garage, clean it off, and go for a ride.

2. Watch TV…while exercising.

There’s nothing wrong with spending some quality time watching your favorite TV shows or movies – but you don’t necessarily have to spend all those hours sprawled on your couch, motionless. It’s not good for you physically or mentally.

Consider getting a stationary bike or treadmill that you can use while you’re catching up on your stories. You’ll have just as much fun, but you’ll be working out instead of sacking out.

3. Try a standing desk.

Standing desks have become all the rage in workplaces, and for good reason.

Standing at your desk instead of sitting can help prevent unwanted weight gain, regulate blood sugar levels after meals, ease back pain, elevate your mood and energy level, reduce your heart disease risk, and add years to your life expectancy. You may even find that you get more work done! Ask your supervisor at work if they would be willing to invest in one for you.

4. Start participating in yoga.

Physical activity isn’t always a matter of running or jumping around at a frenetic pace. Yoga offers profound benefits to body and mind by releasing stress, stretching muscles, increasing your range of motion, and helping you master your breathing.

A yoga class offers structured learning as well as a positive social environment.

5. Try a new sport out.

It doesn’t have to be a hassle to get the extra activity; it could just as easily take the form of new fun.

Have you ever considered playing tennis, golf, sailing, swimming, running, or a team sport like soccer or softball? These sports have a variety of physical advantages while also getting you up and going.

6. Walk your dog.

Have you ever marveled at the sheer energy and endurance displayed by your dog? Dogs love to walk, run, play catch, and explore.

Join in these activities, and you’ll find that your dog gives you one heck of a workout.

7. Decrease how much you’re driving.

Many people automatically get into their cars even for a brief trip to the mailbox or corner store. What if you spent an extra few minutes each day walking instead of driving?

It might not sound like much of a workout, but walking increases circulation, exercises your legs and feet, sheds excess pounds, keeps your joints limber, and helps to release stress.

Have you considered athletic training?

Our physical therapy facilities are most often used for people who have been injured. You’re in pain, desperate for relief and healing, and struggling to find the strength to keep going.

Physical therapists are qualified to help you recover from your injury with the same level of intensity (if not more!) than before. They are committed to assisting you in reaching your full potential, whatever that might be.

You can discover the benefits of athletic training with our physical therapists. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Refocusing strengths. A physical therapist can help you focus on improving your strength in areas that you may not have considered. Many parts of the body influence each other, and strengthening one can help with the function of another. Rather than jumping directly into a new form of activity, it makes sense to train your body to react to the new form of stimulation by improving your muscular strength and range of motion.
  • Developing healthy habits. While a physical trainer can assist you in achieving physical goals, they can also assist you in achieving general health goals. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and a good emphasis on hydration, for example, are all important for enhancing your physical fitness. When it comes to increasing strength and muscle functionality, a physical therapist is a wonderful resource to have because they can help you progress in all facets of your health and wellbeing.
  • Overcoming injuries. Physical therapy treatments are some of the best ways to overcome an injury and find relief for your pain. Each treatment is designed specifically to the needs of each individual and the condition of their injury, consisting of exercises and strength-building activities that are unique to their recovery.

Contact Cedar Hill PT for an appointment today

Are there activities on this list that you’d love to try – if only your body would let you? Physical therapy could get you back in better health.

Ask our physical therapists for a one-on-one consultation!

Sources:
Health and Wellness